IPL 2024: Lucknow Super Giants announced the West Indies wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran as the new Vice-captain ahead of the Indian Premier League 2024, on Thursday.
The responsibility of serving as vice-captain to KL Rahul, the Lucknow Super Giants’ skipper, will now rest upon the shoulders of the West Indies star, Nicholas Pooran, replacing all-rounder Krunal Pandya. This transition occurred as Rahul ceremoniously bestowed Pooran with the vice-captain’s jersey bearing the number 29 during an event held on Wednesday.
Pooran who hails from Trinidad garnered recognition for his explosive batting prowess and adept wicket-keeping skills. He established himself as a pivotal figure in the global T20 circuit. His journey in the IPL commenced with stints at various franchises, including Punjab and Hyderabad, before securing a monumental deal with the Lucknow Super Giants in 2023, fetching a staggering sum of Rs 16 crore.
Pooran’s contributions were notable in the previous IPL season, where he outshone South Africa’s Quinton de Kock to feature prominently in 15 matches for LSG in IPL 2024, accumulating 358 runs, including two half-centuries, at an impressive strike rate of 172.94. With leadership experience across multiple teams, including the national squad, Pooran now steps into the role of vice-captain for an IPL team for the first time.
In previous seasons, Krunal Pandya stepped up in Rahul’s absence, captaining the side in several matches, securing three wins and enduring two losses out of six games, with one ending in a draw.
KL Rahul is currently undergoing medical assessment in London for stiffness in his right quadriceps. Despite this injury, the Lucknow Super Giants remain optimistic about their captain Rahul’s availability for the season opener on March 22 amidst these developments.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the franchise is closely monitoring his progress and holds confidence in his participation. The Super Giants’ inaugural match is slated against the Rajasthan Royals on March 24 in Jaipur.